Obituary for Betty Peterson

Obituary

Betty Emma Wilson Hays Peterson passed away peacefully on February 2, 2019, at Westminster Manor in Austin, where she had lived since 2003. Betty was born in Johnson City, TN, on May 26, 1925, to Katherine Mae Wilson and Robert Reeves Hays. She and her siblings grew up on their grandparents' farm in Jonesboro, TN, and she was most proud of her Scots-Irish heritage and Appalachian roots. She attended East Tennessee State University. After her marriage to Don Collins Peterson, Jr. in 1945, she moved to Nocona, TX. The family later settled in the Memorial area of Houston. In 1978, Betty moved to Austin where she worked in the Texas Legislature for several years. During her time at the Capitol, she fulfilled her life-long dream of completing her college degree, which she earned at St. Edwards University.

Betty loved gardening, and beds of native Texas plants, sweet peas and larkspur beautified her yard at the corner of Hillview and Greenlee in Tarrytown. She most especially loved being a grandmother, and selflessly encouraged the unique gifts and abilities of each of her grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Banner and her brother, Robert Hays. She is survived by three children: Nancy Miertschin, of Houston, Don Collins Peterson III, of Carson City, NV, and Rebecca Peterson-Male of San Antonio; six grandchildren: Don Peterson IV, Beth (and Shiraz) Rehman, Will (and Lisa) Miertschin, Sarah Male, Susanne (and Ryan) Kirkpatrick and Kirk Male; and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 8, at 11 am at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705, followed by interment at Austin Memorial Park.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the scholarship fund at the Capitol School of Austin 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX, 78756.